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As I was meandering through the aisles, I started thinking of all the little unfinished projects at home and decided to see if I could find the parts I needed to take care of a few things. I was so excited to find what I needed to fix my broken mannequin....so, I thought it would be a good time to share her story...
Chapter One: "Necessity is the mother of invention."
Have you noticed that whenever you come across a really awesome mannequin it's either "For Display Only" or really over-budget? I really needed a mannequin...for display at shows, to be my model for photos... to help me in my sewing room for alterations...all sorts of things. I came across a new mannequin at TJ Maxx for $70.00. I was happy with the price but didn't really like how "new" and generic it looked. It was covered in a gray linen for a faux vintage feel but I wanted something a little more rustic for my displays. The other problem with new mannequins is that they aren't padded enough for me. I want to be able to put a pin in it without bending the pin. So, I bought the mannequin and decided to reupholster it to suit my needs.
First, I took the mannequin off the stand then removed the top finial and all the fabric. The mannequin appeared to be made of fiberglass so I needed lots of padding. I buy Dacron by the roll from an upholstery supply store so I decided to use a couple of layers to give myself enough padding for pins.
TIP: I use a spray adhesive called Cam Tack that I purchase from the same supplier. It's used by automotive and furniture upholsterers. I figure if I'm going to do my own upholstery projects and want them to turn out professional-looking, then I need to use the tools and products the professionals use.
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Chapter Two: "Confession is good for the soul..."
So, the first time I took my new made-over mannequin to a show I broke it on the way home. Note to self: Remove the stand before transporting a mannequin.
Yesterday morning, my husband asked me to help him repair an irrigation line and as he was gluing the PVC pipe I had a lightbulb moment....maybe his PVC glue would fix the black plastic part from my broken mannequin? It didn't work....same with the Gorilla glue and every other glue I had in my arsenal. I had no choice but to try to find replacement parts.
Fast forward to my afternoon trip to the hardware store. Eureka! I found the first part on the electrical aisle. It was a 3/4" steel set screw connector. I had recently done a project using 3/4" galvanized pipe from the plumbing department and had an idea, so I headed that way and was excited to find out the thread for the electrical connection was the same as plumbing parts. Perfect! A 3/4" galvanized floor flange was just what I needed.
Fast forward to my afternoon trip to the hardware store. Eureka! I found the first part on the electrical aisle. It was a 3/4" steel set screw connector. I had recently done a project using 3/4" galvanized pipe from the plumbing department and had an idea, so I headed that way and was excited to find out the thread for the electrical connection was the same as plumbing parts. Perfect! A 3/4" galvanized floor flange was just what I needed.
I painted the parts black to match the stand and wouldn't you know, the holes lined up perfectly with the holes already in the base.
My made-over mannequin is back on her stand and ready for her next job....I think I'll call her Grace....
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"For Display Only" |
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ReplyDeleteNice job! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWow....surprised you found me. I haven't blogged in such a long time...moved on to other things for the moment but I still use this mannequin to this day! I photograph my knitted items on it and sell them in my Etsy shop...I just happen to be using it today. Thanks for your comment!
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